Thread selector apparatus



Sept. 27, 1966 R. SCHMIDT ETAL THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed OCT.. l5, 1964 Affe/wv Sept. 27, 1966 R. SCHMIDT ETAL THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. l5, 1964 Sept' 27, 1966 R. scHMlDT ETAL. 3,274,802

THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 27, 1966 R. SCHMIDT ETAL 3,274,802

THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sept. 27, 1966 R. SCHMIDT ETAI.

THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. l5, 1964 lllll Sept. 27, 1966 R. SCHMIDT ETAL THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. l5, 1964 United States Patent O 3,274,802 THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS Richard Schmidt, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, and Hans Joachim Stock, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, assignors to Franz Morat G.m.b.H., Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany Filed Oct. 15, 1964, Ser. No. 404,116 Claims priority, application Germany, Oct. 16, 1963, M 58,568 19 Claims. (Cl. 66-138) The present invention relates to a thread selector apparatus for a knitting machine, and more particularly to an apparatus for automatically selecting threads of different color at the knitting stations of a circular knitting machine, and for supplying such selected threads to the knitting needles.

Thread guides for threads of ditferent color are arranged at each knitting station to be controlled by a selector magnet which shifts the thread guides to a position in which a particular selected thread guide whose thread has the desired color, is located opposite an operating magnet at the same knitting station which shifts the selected thread guides to a position in which the respective rthread can be taken up by the knitting needles and used for a knitting operation.

After the selector magnet has selected a particular thread guide at the respe-ctive station, the operating magnet at the respective station is energized by rotating an actuating switch which moves in synchronism with the needle cylinder. When the respective thread guide has been operated, the thread is cut ofI. The thread selector apparatus is controlled by the programming means of the knitting machine which are suitably adapted for this purpose, or independent programming means may be provided for controlling the actuation of the selector magnets. In one embodiment of the invention, a movable program chain has the same number of longitudinal tracks as there are knitting stations, and in each track, control elements, in the preferred embodiment of different height, lare set so that a series of control elements may be simultaneously sensed by sensing means after each stepwise movement of the pattern chain. The different control elements in each track of the pattern chain are of different height where dierent colors are desired, each color being associated with a -control element of different height. During rotation of the needle cylinder, the program chain is shifted one step as the needle cylinder progresses from one knitting station to the other knitting station, unless a particular modiiied operation is desired. The height of the different control elements of the pattern chain is sensed, and translated into electric pulses which are supplied to the selector magnets for successively energizing or actuating the same, the number of actuations of each selector magnet representing the different height of a control element of the pattern chain. Selector magnets actuated by dierent numbers of pulses, move th'e thread guides to different positions in relation to the operating magnets, so that each thread guide is associated with the number of actuations of the selector magnet and is placed in an operative position opposite the operating magnet when the respective selector magnet receives the corresponding number of pulses from the sensing means.

The sensing means sense simultaneously a control element in each track. If the selector magnet at the several knitting stations would be simultaneously energized in accordance with the simultaneous sensing of the tracks, a very 'high current would be required for the selector magnets. Furthermore, the energization of the selector magnet would have to start after the last operating magnet has shifted the thread guide of the preceding cycle of operations in the last knitting station, so that the function of th'e operating magnet in the last station must be terminated before the trst selector magnet at the first knitting station is energized. The time available for such operation is already taken up by the shifting of the program chain. For the same reason, a successive sensing in the several tracks for successively energizing the selector magnet cannot be accomplished.

It is also desired that the pulses supplied to each select-or magnet should not exceed a certain length in order to prevent excessive heating of the selector magnets.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a selector apparatus for a knitting machine in which selector magnets are successively energized under control of simultaneously operating sensing means.

It is another object of the invention to provide a selector apparatus for a knitting machine in which operating lmagnets at several knitting stations are energized after selector magnets at the same knitting stations have been energized.

It is another object of the invention to select thread guides provided at the several knitting stations of the knitting machine by successively energized and lactuated selector magnets, and thereupon operate a selected thread guide by an operating magnet.

Another object of the invention is to operate one half of the selector magnets atthe rst half of the knitting stations, and to prevent actuation of the selector magnets at the second half of the knitting stations until the operating magnets at the lirst half of the knitting stations have been actuated.

It is also an object of the invention to provide drive means independent of the drive of the knitting machine for controlling the successive actuation of the selector magnets.

Such drive means rotate at a constant speed, which is related to the maximum speed of the knitting machine, and, for example, to the maximum speed of the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine.

With these objects in view, the present invention relates to an improvement of a knitting machine, particularly of a circular knitting machine. One embodiment of the invention comprises a series of selector magnets and a series of operating magnets respectively provided at the knitting stations of the knitting machine; and a series of thread guide means at the knitting stations, -respectively. Each thread guide means includes a plurality of thread guides for different threads and is movable by the respective selector magnet between a plurality of positions in which diferent thread guides are operable by the respective operating magnet at the same knitting station to place the thread thereof in a knitting position.

Actuating switch means are rotated by a movable machine element, for example by the needle cylinder, and connected with the operating magnets to successively actfuate the same.

The different thread guides guide threads of different colors in the preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the invention is not limited to the selection and operation of thread guides, but other knitting elements may be selected by the selector magnets, and then operated by operating magnets in the particular time sequence in accordance with the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment of 4the invention programming means, such as a pattern chain, including a series of tracks respectively associated with the knitting stations are provided. Each track includes a plurality of different control elements, for example projecting control lugs of `different height, which may be associated with different threads.

A series of sensing means cooperate with the tracks of the programming means for sensing the different control elements. The sensing means tare operatively connected with the selector Imagnets, respectively, so that the selector magnets are successively repeatedly actuated in accordance with the height, or other distinguishing characteristic, of the sensed control elements.

In one embodiment of the invention, each sensing means includes a set of switch contacts which are enga-ged by the control elements of different height ,and differently compressed so that a different number of switch contacts engage each other, and a contact arm driven by independent drive means passes over slide contacts connected to the several switch contacts and successively energizes the selector magnets.

In another embodiment of the invention, independent drive means rotate cams which operate sensing levers to sense the control elements of the several tracks, and projections on the sensing levers successively engage a switch connected to the respective selector magnet so that the same is several times energized, depending on the height of the sensed control element.

In another embodiment of the invention, sensing wheels cooperating with the control elements of the several tracks are permitted to turn through an angle depending on the height of the respective control element, and have a number of circumferenti-ally spaced projections which successively actuate a corresponding switch to provide several impulses for the selector magnet which is connected to the respective switch.

In accordance 'with the invention, control means .driven at la speed which is independent of the operational speed of the machine, control the sensing means at the several knitting stations so that the same cause actuation of the respective associated .selector magnets in succession, although the sensing means sense the control elements of the programming means simultaneously. The operation of the control means is synchronized with the actuation of the operating magnets in such a manner that the actuation of the selector magnet at each station is cornpleted before the operating magnet lat the same station is actuated.

l Preferably, after half of the selector magnets are actuated, actuation of the remaining half of the selector magnets is prevented until the rst half of the operating magnets has been actuated in synchronism with the needle cylinder.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of speciiic embodiments when read in connection with the `accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are fragmentary sections taken in parallel planes and illustrating operational positions of sensing means according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. la is la cross sectional View taken on line 1a-1a in FIG. 1b and illustrating an operational position of sensing lmeans according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. llb is a sectional view taken on line 1li-1b in FIG. la;

FIG. 2a is a fragmentary cross sectional View of the embodiment of FIG. la taken on line 2a-2a in FIG. 2b;

FIG. 2b is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 21a-2b in FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3a is a fragment-ary sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. la raken on lines a-3a in FIGS. 3b and 3c;

FIG. 3b is a sectional view on line 31a-3b in FIG. 3a;

FIG, 3c is a plan view of FIG. 3a;

4 FIG. 4 is a diagrammat-ic view illustrating a third embodiment of the invention and including circuit means forming part of the embodiments of FIG. 1 and of FIG. 1a; and

FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating the electric circuit of a detail of the circuit of FIG. 4.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to the embodiment and electric circuit of FIG. 4, a circular knitting machine has a needle cylinder N, schematically indicated in FIG. 4 by a broken line and provided with an actuating lug or projection N1 rotating with the needle cylinder. During rot-ation of the needle cylinder, projection N1 will close a switch K25, and after rotation through substantially another switch K26. A contact arm N2 rotates in synchronism with the needle cylinder and with projection N1 and has a contact K30, L1 to L24 which are arranged in a circle 'and are respectively associated with the knitting stations of la circular knitting machine which is assumed to have twenty-four knitting stations.

Each stationary contact L1 to L24 is connected to an operating magnet of =a series of operating magnets OM1 ,to OM24 which are respectively provided -at the knitting stations of the machine and cooperate with corresponding series of thread guide means which are respectively provided at the twenty-four knitting stations. Each thread guide means includes a plurality of thread guides for guiding threads of different colors, 'and each thread guide means is movable between a plurality of positions in which different thread guides are located opposite the operating magnet OM located at the same knitting station so that, upon actuation of the respective operating magnet, the respective thread guide is moved to ta knitting position in which the respective thread of a selected color is used for a knitting operation.

The operating magnets are respectively connected to switches O1 to O24 which yare all connected to a positive voltage Ub, and are respectively operated by a series of selector magnets SM1 to SM24 which are all connected to the positive voltage Ub, and also t-o a tirst contact, respectively, of a series of switch means S1 to S24 each of which includes a set of contacts forming switches and connected to corresponding contacts T1 to T24 arranged in a circle `and successively engaged by a contact K27 during rotation of a contact arm A which is connected to ground and has la second Contact K28 Which slides on semi-circular contact d1 and d2, and on short contact f1 and f2 during rotation of contact arm A.

The longer contacts d1 and d2 are connected by conductors d3 to an electromagnetic means D which, when energized, causes contact arm A to turn. Electromagnetic means D is also connected to a positive voltage UB and to switches K25 and K26. The other contact of switch K25 is connected to la switch K29 which is also connected to the `short contact f1. Electromagnetic means D is also connected to switch K26 whose other contact is connected tothe short contact f2.

Switch K29 and switches S1 to S24 are controlled by control elements of a programming means which include a series of tracks respectively :associated with a knitting station, each track-including a plurality of different control elements which are respectively associated with different thread guides by which threads of different colors are guided and controlled. Referring to FIG. 1, the programming means is shown to be a programming chain, similar to the pattern chain of the knitting machine. The programming chain 1 is guided over a Wheel 3 and has a plurality of adjacent tracks extending in longitudinal direction of chain 1 so that, for example, one track is visible in FIG. l, and another track is visible in FIG. 2. Each track includes projecting control elements of different height, control element 2a being the highest, and control element 2b being the lowest. The different heights of control elements 2a to 2e are associated with diiferent colors and different thread guides. The programming chain 1 has a .special lug P0 which is only provided if the thread selecting arrangement is to be used, and which leads all other projecting control elements which are set on the programming ch-ain in yaccordance with a desired selection of threads of different colors. When the programming chain starts its movement, the projecting elements P0, see FIG. 4, closes switch K29, and when the programming chain continues its movement, the projections P1 to P24 in the parallel twenty-four tracks of the programming chain are effective to operate the multiple switches S1 to S24. As explained above, each of the control elements P1 to P24 of the twenty-four tracks, includes control elements of different height 2a to 2e, so that the sets of switches S1 to S24 are compressed differently in accordance with the height of the respective control element P1 to P24. For example, projecting elements P1 and P2 are high, corresponding to projecting element 2a in FIG. 1, and close all contacts of the associated switches S1 .and S2, while control element P3 in FIG. 4 is short, corresponding to control element 2b in FIG. 1, and does not close any of the contacts of the associated switch S3.

Assuming that arm A rotates, its contact K27 will successvely pass over the sets of contacts T1 to T4. When all contacts of `a switch S1 to S24 engage each other due to a high control projection in the respective track of the programming means, a current will flow from the voltage UB, the respective selector magnet SM, the first contact of the respective switch S, and over contact K27 and arm A to ground whenever contact K27 engages one of the contacts of the respective set of contacts T1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, selector magnet SM1 will receive four impulses when Contact K27 successively passes over the four contacts of the set of contacts K1.

The contacts of the sets of contacts T1 to T24 must be spaced from each other such a distance under consideration of the rotary speed of the contact arm A, that the energized selector magnets have sufficient time to return the armature to the inoperative position after each energization. Contact arm A may be moved stepwise, and spacing contacts without any function provided between the contacts T1 to T24.

When the first impulse passes through a selector magnet SM1 to SM24, and the same is actuated, the corresponding associated switch O1 to O24 is closed so that the respective operating magnet OMI to OM24 is connected to the voltage source Ub through a pulse limiting ldevice I which is shown in FIG. 4a and will be explained hereinafter. Current can flow through the operating magnets OM1 to OM24 only when contact arm N2 is in a position engaging the corresponding contact L1 to L24 and connecting the same to ground.

Each selector magnet SM1 to SM24 is located at different knitting station of the twenty-four knitting stations of the circular knitting machine, and controls a thread guide means, not shown, which includes a plurality of thread guides for threads of different color. As noted above, operating magnets OM1 to OM24 are lalso respectively located at the twenty-four knitting stations, and cooperate with the thread guides.

When the selector magnet SM receives one impulse, it causes the corresponding thread guide means to move to a position in which a first thread guide is located opposite the corresponding operating magnet so that the respective rst thread guide is shifted to an operative position when the respective operating magnet is actutaed. In such operative position, a certain thread having a given color is supplied to the knitting needles and used in a knitting operation. When a selector magnet SM receives two or more impulses, the second or another thread guide is placed in the position in which the corresponding operating magnet OM can shift the same to the operative position for supplying to the knitting needles a thread of a particular color. Consequently, the selector magnets must first be actuated by a series of impulses whose number depends 6 on the contacts of the switches S1 to S24 closed by the lcontrol elements T1 to T24, whereupon the operating magnets OMI to OM24 are successively energized .at the knitting stations to shift the respective selected thread guide to the operative position.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 operates as follows:

. When the programming chain 1 is driven to move a first step, a previously set special control element P0 closes the starting contact K29. Control element P0 is only set on the programming chain if the thread guide means for different colors are to be used, since the programming chain may have control elements set for other purposes. When start 4switch K29 is closed, and the rotating actuating projection N1 of the needle cylinder closes contacts K29, a current flows over electromagnetic means D, contact K25, contact K29, contact K28 to ground so that electromagnetic means D, or a corresponding motor, turns contact arm A so that contact K28 moves from the contact f1 to the long slide contact D1 which is also connected to the electromagnetic means D so that contact arm A is lfurther turned stepwise between positions in which contact K27 successively engages the contacts of the set of contacts T1 to T12. During passage of contact K27 over the set of contacts T1, selector magnet SM1 receives four impulses since the four contacts T1 are connected to each other and to the first contact of the switch S1 which is connected to the selector magnet SM1. Selector magnet SM2 ireceives also four impulses, while selector magnet SM3 receives no impulses since the short projecting control element P3 has not closed any of the swtiches of switch S3. Selector magnet SM12 will receive three pulses, since three contacts of switch S12 are closed by the control element P12.

As explained above, the respective thread guide means are moved by the respective actuated selector magnets to positions in which different thread guides are located opposite the respective operating magnets OM, the number of impulses determining the selector of the respective thread guide associated with a particular color. Therefore, the thread guide means controlled by selector magnets SM1 will be shifted to position in which corresponding thread guides having threads of the same color are placed opposite selector magnets OMI and OM2, respectively, While selector magnet SM3 will not be actuated, and selector magnet SM12 will receive three impulses and move the thread guide means to a position in which a `differently colored thread is heldlby the thread guide which is located opposite the operating magnet OM12.

When contact arm A has 'reached a position in which contact K28 passes from slide contact d1 to the short contact F2, contact arm A stops momentarily, since switch K26, which is connected in series with contact f2, is still open, and when actuating projection N1 of the needle cylinder engages contact K26, the same is closed, and the electromagnetic means D is energized by current owing over contact K26, contact F2, contact K28, and contact arm A and a slide ring and slide contact to ground. Consequently, contact arm A will make a step and contact K28 will engage a second long slide contact d2 so that the operation conti-nues as described with reference to contacts f1 .and d1. As a result, the operating magnets OMI to OM12 will operate corresponding thread guides selected by selector magnets S1 to S12 during the first half of a revolution of needle cylinder N, while operating magnets OM13 to OM24 will control the corresponding thread guides selected by selector magnets SM13 to SM24 during the second half of the revolution of the needle cylinder. When contact arm A arrives again in the position illustrated in FIG. 4 in which contact K28 is located on contact f1, the `above described operation is repeated during the following revolution of the needle cylinder since actuating projection N1 again closes switch K25. Due to the above explained construction and circuit according to the present invention, the thread guides are successively selected and operated so that it is not necessary to simultaneously energize the twenty-four selector magnets SM1 to SM24 which would require the supply of a very high current from a source of current. Furthermore, it is not necessary to start the selecting operations only after the last operating magnet has been actuated, and to finish the selecting operation before the first operating magnet is actuated in the following cycle. The available time for such a sequence would be required for the shifting of the programming chain to the next position. For the same reason, a successive sensing in the same time sequence as the actuation of the operating magnets cannot be accomplished.

In accordance with the present invention, the contact arm A is ydriven by the stepping electromagnetic means D, or by corresponding motor, entirely independently of the rotation of the needle cylinder, although at a speed corresponding to the maximum speed of Ithe knitting operation, for example to the rotary speed of the needle cylinder.

Due to the arrangement of the contacts f1, d1, f2, d2, the first half of tracks of the programming chain is rst sensed whereupon contact 4arm is stopped at contact f2 until contact K3() which moves in synchronism with the needle cylinder of the knitting machine has successively engaged contacts L1 to L12 and closed the circuit of the operating magnets OM1 to OM12 so that the same are all successively actuated before actuating projection N1 closes 4switch K26 and causes Imovement of contact `arm A for one step so that contact K28 engages contact d2, and contact K27 begins to pass over the contacts of the sets of contacts T13 to T24. While contact 28 passes over contact d2 and contact K27 over contacts T13 to T24, selector magnets SM13 to SM24 are actuated, and the thread guides of the second half of the knitting stations selected in accordance with the program on the program chain represented by the projecting control elements P13 to P24 in the respective tracks. The actuation of the operating magnets OM13 to OM24 follows the Iactuation of the respective associated selector magnets SM13 to SM24, but not necessarily directly, since after actuation of the selector magnets SM13 to SM24 and the selection of the proper thread guides at all twelve knitting stations of the second half of the needle cylinder, only few, or none of the corresponding loperating magnets OM13 to OM24 need be actuated, :since such actuation `depends on the slower speed of the needle cylindenanfd takes place while contact K3() successively engages contacts L13 to L24. Only when needle cylinder N has completed its second half of the respective revolution, contact K3() is again closed by 'actuating projection, and contact X28 is moved by stepping contact larm A to a position engaging contact d1 and starting the selection of the lirst twelve thread guides.

In order to prevent a current from continuously flowing through one of the operating magnets OMI to OM24 and heating the same to `an undesired temperature, when the needle cylinder rotates :slowly or stops, 'a pulse limiting device I is connected in .series with all switches O1 to O24 and the voltage source. A circuit of this device is illustrated in FIG. 4a and includes a relay having three windings W1, W2 and W3, a switch K31 connected in series with the resistor R1, a resistor R2 between winding W1 Iand switch K31, `a resistor R3 between winding W2 yand resistor R1, anda variable resistor parallel with winding W3 and in series with a rectifier G. When an operating magnet is connected to ldevice J by closing of the corresponding switch O by the respective selector magnet SM, a current flows through resistor R1, which has a -low resistance, and partly through winding W2 and resistor R3 which are connected in parallel with resistor R1. A rectifier G has such a polarity that the winding W3 `delays the actuation of relay contact K31 for a time period determined by adjustment of the variable resistor R4. When contact K31 opens, the impulse is terminated and consequently the time of energization of each operating magnet OMI to OM24 can be determined by adjusting resist-or R4. After relay winding W2 has opened contact K31, the same is held in the open position by winding W1 since a small current flows through the same and resistor R2 which has a high resistance.

Contact K3() may remain on any of the contacts L1 to L24 for 'a :longer period of time while the needle cylinder is stopped, without any current flowing through the respective -operating magnet. When the needle cylinder N starts again to rotate, and contact K30 moves .away fro-m the contact L on which it had stopped, the relay is deenergized 'because the rectier G prevents current from flowing through winding W3, and because resistor R2. causes winlding W1 to have a idelaying effect by slowing down the breakdown of the respective magnetic eld. In this manner, the time period during which the following pulse is effective is not influenced.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the number of pulses received by each selector magnet SM1 to SM24 `depends on the number of contacts of switches S1 to S24 directly operated by the control elements P1 to P24 in the twentyfour tracks of the patterning chain. The embodiment of FIGS. l, 2 and 3 provides a mechanical construction of the sensing means and switches by which the impulses for the selector magnets are produced.

The programming chain 1 passes over -a wheel or drum 3 and has twenty-four tracks located adjacent each other in axial directi-on of the drum 3 and of programming chain 1. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 may be considered to show in parallel planes the positions of the elements in three different track-s. Each track includes projecting con/troll elements 2a, 2b, 2c, 2e of different height, control elements of different height being respectively :associated with threads of Idifferent colors guided through corresponding thread guides at tlhe respective knitting station, each track being associated with one of the knitting stations. A series of twenty-four control cams 11 i-s respectively associated with the twenty-four track-s, yand are driven by a common shaft 12. Cams 11 have a long circular portion, a recessed portion 11a, Iand a rising portion 11b, Iand are yangularly displaced relative to each other so that the respective recesses 11a of different cams are angularly spaced, and so that the rising portions 11b are not simultaneously operative.

Each track and cam cooperates with an operating lever 8 which is mounted for turning movement on a shaft 5 and urged by spring 10 to turn to a position in which the cam follower pin 9 engages the respective cam 11. Each operating lever 8 has a transverse projection 7 and is connected by spring 6 to a sensing lever 4, all sensing levers being also turnable about the common shaft 5. A spring 6 connects each operating lever with the corresponding sensing lever so that the levers tend to assume a normal position in which the sensing lever abuts the projection 7 of the operating lever 8. During rotation of the series of cams 11, a cam 11 will be first in a position illustrated in FIG. 1 in which cam follower pin 9 engages recess 11a so that operating lever 8 and sensing lever 4 are in the highest position in which a switch 14 is located below a series of projections and recesses 13 in a transverse portion of sensing lever 4. A switch 14 is provided for each sensing lever, so that twenty-four switches 14 are provided in the described embodiment of the invention. Each switch 14 is connected to a selector magnet SM1 to SM24.

The cam 11 of another track may be in the position shown in FIG. 2, or FIG. 2 may be considered to follow the position of FIG. 1 in the same track. In any event the cam follower pin 9 has moved along the rising ca m portion 11b and engages the highest cam portion so that operating lever 8 is turned in counterclockwise direction to its lowest position. Spring 6 has pulled sensing lever 4 down, since a very low control element 2b was sensed by sensing lever 4, all four projections 13 have passed 9 switch 14 and have closed the same four times so that four impulses were supplied to the respective selector magnet SM1 to SM24. If the highest control'element 2a would have been sensed by sensing lever 4, the same could not have moved down, but would have remained in the position of FIG. l, although operating lever 8 would be in the position shown in FIG. 2, spring 6 permitting a different angular spacing of levers 4 and 8.

FIG. 3 shows a position following the position of FIG. 2 in the same track. The programming chain 1 has moved one step in the direction of the arrow so that the projecting control element 2c, which is higher than the previously sensed control element 2b, is sensed by sensing lever 4, while cam 11 has again turned operating lever 8 down to its lowest position. Since sensing lever 4 cannot turn as far as before, only two projections 13 have engaged switch 14 and closed the same two times, causing two impulses to reach the respective selector magnet so that the same was twice actuated to shift the thread guide means two steps so that a different thread guide than in the position of FIG. 2 was placed opposite the corresponding operating magnet, and actuated by the same to supply a thread of a particular color to the needles of the knitting machine.

Shaft 12 of cams 11 is driven by a small motor, or by a stepping magnet, corresponding to stepping magnet D in the embodiment of FIG. 4, and a contact arm A with a contact KZS and contacts d1, d2, f1, f2 cooperating with switches K25 and K26, as described with reference to FIG. 4, are advantageously provided to stop the rotation of cams 11 after selector magnets SM1 to SM12 were actuated by switches 14, whereupon the contact K30 effects successive actuation of the operating magnets OMI to OM12. After switch K26 is closed, the selector magnets SM13 to SM24 are actuated since the contact arm A permits the turning of the cams 11 by the motor stepping magnet D after all thread guides are selected, the operating magnets actuate the same when Contact K30 passes over contacts L13 to L24.

When a continuously running motor is used for driving shaft 12 of cams 11, an electromagnetic coupling may be controlled by the contact KZS and the contacts d1, d2, f1, f2 or a projecting lug of the needle cylinder may control mechanical couplings.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. la, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b and 3c, the height of the sensed projecting control elements of the programming chain is translated into the turning of a mechanical element having a plurality of projections for successively operating the switches of the selector magnets.

A shaft 1 is driven by drive motor at a constant rotary speed which is independent of the speed of the knitting operations and, for example, of the rotary speed of the needle cylinder, but selected to correspond to the maximum speed of the knitting machine. Gear 2 is mounted on shaft 1 and meshes with a gear 4a which is secured to a cam 5b and mounted on a bushing 5a for free rotation, bushing 5a being secured by a key 3a to a stationary shaft 3. A ratchet wheel 4b is also secured to gear 4a and driven with the same by gear 2.

A disc 7 is mounted on another stationary bushing 6 for turning movement, but is urged by a cup spring 8 against bushing 6 to prevent by frictional engagement undesired turning of disc 7. A pin 9 projects laterally from disc 7 and is located in the path of movement of a projecting control element P0 of a programming chain 1. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the control element P0 is set in a leading position on the programming chain, and other control elements of different height are provided in each of the tracks of the patterning chain. Assuming that x tracks are provided, instead of twentyfour tracks as previously described, control elements 10a to 10x are provided in each track, control element 10k being shown in FIG. 2a since this ligure is assumed to illustrate the conditions in track k.

When the programming chain is shifted due to an actuation of the drum thereof under control of a projecting lug of a needle cylinder, and control element P0 engages pin 9, disc 7 is turned to the position illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b. A pawl 13 mounted on a pivot 12 on disc 7, which rested on a cam lug of cam 5b in the initial position, drops into a notch in ratchet wheel 4b, as illustrated in FIG. la, and couples disc 7 to the rotating ratchet wheel 4b for rotation. Ratchet wheel 4b has the same number of teeth as gear 4a. After a revolution, cam 5b urges pawl 13 out of the notch of the ratchet wheel 4b, and disc 7 stops again while pin 9 abuts the other side of the control element P0. The device illustrated in FIGS. la and 1b constitutes a one revolution clutch `for turning disc 7.

Disc 7 carries a projecting pin 14 which engages after turning of disc 7 for substantially 45 a projecting pin 17a carried by a gear 16a. Gears 16a to 16x are respectively associated with the tracks of the programming chain. Gear 16a is associateed with the rst track and mounted on a bushing 15a which is prevented from rotation by a key 3u engaging shaft 3. A spring disc 8a presses gears 16a against bushing 6 so that gear 16a can be turned, but will be held frictionally against undesired turning. Gears 16a to 16x have peripheral recesses 16' so that the teeth of gears 16a to 16x are interrupted, as shown for gears 16k in FIG. 2a. When pin 14 of disc 7 turns gear 16a by engaging pin 17a thereof, recess 16' of gear 16a is turned away from a corresponding gear 2a secured to shaft 1, and the teeth of gear 16m engage the teeth of gear 2a so that gear 16a turns independently of the engagement by pin 14 a complete revolution until recess 16 again reaches gear 2a and gear 16a stops. Gears 2a to 2x are mounted on shaft 1 and cooperate with gears 16a to 16x as described with reference to gears 2a and 16a.

After gear 16a has turned through about one third of the revolution, a coupling pin 18a engages the corresponding coupling pin 17b of the neXt following gear 16b, which is associated with the second track. Consequently, the interrupted gear 16b is turned to a position in which its teeth mesh with the corresponding gear 2b driven by shaft 1, and after the first third of the turning movement of gear 16b its coupling pin 18b engages the coupling pin 17c of the next gear 16C associated with the third track and placing the same in meshing engagement with the corresponding gear 2c on shaft 1, and this operation is successively continued for all gears 16a to 16x in the x tracks so that the gears 16a to 16x perform single revolutions which, however, are not simultaneous, but staggered. Each gear 16b to 16x starts its revolution after the preceding gear has turned through one third of one revolution, so that :at any time three of the gears 16a to 16x are turning. The mechanism described with reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b serves the purpose of initiating the sensing operations after the shifting of the programming chain through one step, and to assure the proper operation of the rst interrupted gear 16a.

The spring discs 8a to 8x respectively cooperating with gears 16a to 16x, have cutouts through which the coupling pins 18a to 18x project, and consequently are connected with the associated gears 16a to 16x for turning movement, forming a frictional slip coupling for a series of sensing wheels 19a to 19x which are respectively mounted on gears 16a to 16x, as best seen in FIG. 2b.

The shape of sensing wheels 19a to 19x is shown for sensing wheel 19k in FIG.2a. Each sensing wheel has a plurality of stepped projections 19 of diferent height which form radially staggered shoulders adapted to engage control elements 10a to 10k on the programming chain. The lowest control element on the programming chain will be engaged by the outermost stepped projection, and the highest control element 10 will be engaged by the shoulder on the innermost stepped projection 19',

whereupon sensing wheel 19 will no longer rotate but slide on the respective gear 16. The angular position of a sensing wheel 19 will represent the height of the control element sensed in the respective track.

Each sensing wheel has a plurality of actuating projections 19 which are uniformly spaced the same angular distances as the stepped projections 19. It will be seen that a high control element on the programming chain will permit the respective sensing wheel to turn through a smaller angle until engaged by a stepped projection 19' than a lower control element. Consequently, the turning angle of the respective sensing wheel 19 will represent the height of the sensed control element of the programming chain.

A series of switches 11a to 11x of which switch 11k is shown in FIG. 2a, cooperates with the sensing wheels 19a to 19x, respectively. In accordance with the angle -through which a sensing wheel is permitted to turn, a different number of projections 19" will engage the respective switch, for example switch 11k in FIG. 2a so that switch 11k will be closed different numbers of time when the sensing wheel 19k senses control elements 10k of different height in the respective track of the programming chain.

The operation proceeds as follows: Y

When gear 16k begins to be driven by the corresponding gear 2k, as described above for gear 16a, sensing wheel 19k is turned by gear 16k due to the friction coupling 8k until the second stepped projection 19 in clockwise direction of rotation as viewed in FIG. 2a engages control element 10k of the programming chain and stops sensing wheel 19k in a position in which the leading actuating projection 19 has once closed switch 11k so that the selector magnet connected to switch 11k receives a single impulse. When a sensing wheel 19 is stopped by control element of the programming chain, the movable contact of switch 11k is located between'two projections 19 so that switch 11 opens again and the respective selector magnet is deenergized. This concludes the sensing operation in the respective track.

If the thread guide means is not to be operated by the respective selector magnet, the highest control element is provided on the programming chain so that the first and lowest stepped shpulder 19' engages the high control element and stops rotation of sensing wheel 19 before any of the actuating projections 19 can engage the respective switch 11 and provide an impulse for the respective selector magnet.

If a selecting operation is desired in which the respective selector magnet is to receive four pulses to cause the thread guide to move to the fourth position, a control element of very low height is set on the programming chain so that the outermost stepped projection 19 blocks the respective sensing wheel 19 after the same has turned such an angle that all four projections 19" successively engage switch 11 and close the same four times resulting in four pulses to the selector magnet. It will be noted that five shoulders on the projections 19' are required for this operation.

After all gears 16a to 16x have successively turned one revolution, the sensing wheels 19a to 19k have remained in the displaced positions after actuating the respective switches. Therefore, it is necessary to clear the apparatus and to return all sensing wheels 19a to 19x to the initial position.

Clearing means including a gear 21 and a clearing rod are provided for this purpose. Clearing rod 20 extends parallel to shaft 3 through part circular slots 22a to 22x in the sensing wheels 19a to 19x. When gear 21 with clearing rod 20 is turned in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3a so that clearing rod 20 assumes the position shown in dash and dot lines in FIG. 3a, all sensing wheels are turned back to the initial position. After completion of the revolutions of gears 16a to 16x, the pawls 23a to 23x snap behind the coupling pins 18a to 18x and prevent rotation of the gears 16a to 16x while the sensing wheels 19a to 19x are turned back to the initial position. This is necessary since gears 16a to 16x stop in the proper initial position due to the recesses 16 in the toothed peripheries thereof.

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate the clearing mechanism. Shortly before the termination of the single revolution of gear 16x, its coupling pin 18x engages a coupling pin 24 of a clearing gear 16z, which is not associated with any track, and turns gears 16z, which also has an interrupted gear crown and cooperates with a gear 2z on shaft 1. Gear 16z is angularly displaced until its teeth engage the gear 2z, so that it is driven by the same until a coupling spring 25 thereof slides olf a cam projection 26 so that coupling spring 25 engages a projection 28 on a gear 27 and turns gear 27 with gear 16z. Gear 27 meshes with an intermediate gear 30 turnably mounted on a stationary shaft 29, and another intermediate gear 32 mounted for rotation on a stationary shaft 31 meshes with gear 30 and with the clearing gear 21 so that rotation of gear 27 is transmitted in a certain ratio to clearing gear 21 which turns clearing rod 2t) through such an angle that all sensing wheels 19 are returned to the initial positions thereof.

Shortly before gear 16z has performed one revolution, coupling spring 25 runs onto cam projection 2.6 and releases coupling projecting 28 so that gear 27 is no further turned. Gear 16z returns to its initial position, while the clearing mechanism is returned to its initial position by a return spring, not shown. The programming chain is shifted one step so that the next following control elements in the several tracks can be sensed by the sensing wheels 19a to 19x.

If it is desired to interrupt the sensing operations after actuation of the first half of selector magnets, as described With reference to FIG. 4 until the rst half of the operating magnets have been actuated, and assuming that twenty-four gears 16 are provided, it is possible to permit the twelfth gear 16 to turn a complete revolution without starting a revolution of the thirteenth gear 16, and provide between the twelfth and thirteenth gears 16 a mechanism including the elements 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6, 7, S, 9, 13 and 14, as described particularly with reference to FIGS. 1w and 1b, and the mechanism may be started by a projecting lug of the needle cylinder so that the thirteenth to the twenty-fourth gears 16 are then caused to successively turn, as explained above to actuate the respective associated sensing wheels 19.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also iind a useful application in other types of selector arrangements differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a thread selector apparatus for selecting threads of different color for supply at the knitting stations of a circular knitting machine, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modiications and structural changes may be made without departing in any Way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new land desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Thread selector apparatus for a knitting machine having a series of knitting stations, comprising, in cornbination, a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; and a series of thread guide means at said knitting stations, respectively, each thread guide means including a plurality of thread guides for diiferent threads, and being movable by the respective selector magnet between a plurality of positions in which dilerent thread guides are operable by the respective operating magnet to place the thread thereof in a knitting position.

2. Thread selector apparatus for a circular knitting machine having a needle cylinder and a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; .a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; a series of thread guide means at said knitting stations, respectively, each thread guide means including a plurality of thread guides for different threads, and being movable by the respective selector magnet between a plurality of positions in which dilerent thread guides are operable by the respective operating magnet to place the thread thereof in a knitting position; and actuating switch means controlled by said needle cylinder during rotation thereof and connected with said operating magnets to succesively actuate the same.

3. Program controlled thread selector apparatus for a knitting machine having a movable machine element and a series lof knitting stations, comprising, in combination, programming means including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting stations, each track including a plurality of different control elements respectively associated with different threads; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively, for sensing said dilerent cont-rol elements; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively, connected with and controlled by said sensing means, respectively, so as to be successively actuated a number of actuations determined by the sensed control element; a series of operating magnets at said knitting s-tations, respectively; actuating switch means controlled by said movable machine element and connected with said operating magnets to successively actuate the same; a series of thread guide means at'said knitting stations, respectively, each thread guide means including a plurality of thread guides for different threads and being movable by the respective selector magnet between a plurality of positions in accordance with the aumber of actuations of said selector magnets,`a diiferent thread guide being operable by said operating magnet at each knitting station in said positions to place the thread thereof in a knitting position.

4.' Program controlled thread selector apparatus for a knitting machine having a movable machine element and a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, programming means including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting stations, each track including a plurality of different control elements respectively associated with diterent threads; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively, for sensing said different control elements, each sensing means including a set of switches and being arranged and constructed so that sensed diierent control elements cause actuation of different numbers vof said switches; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively, connected with said sets of switches, respectively, so as to be successively repeatedly actuated in accordance with the number of switches actuated by a sensed control element; a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actuating switch mean-s controlled by said movable machine element and connected with said operating magnets to successively actu-ate the sa-me; a series of thread guide means at said knitting stations, respectively, each thread guide means including' a plurality of thread guides for different threads and being movable by the respective selector magnet between a plurality of positions in accordance with the number of actuations of said selector magnets, a different thread guide being operable by said 14 operating magnet at each knitting station in said positions to place the thread thereof in a knitting position.

5. Program controlled thread selector apparatus for a circular knitting machine having a rotary needle cylinder and la series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, programming means including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting stations, each track including a plurality of projecting control elements of different height respectively associated with diierent threads; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively, for sensing said different control elements; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively connected with and controlled by said sensing means, respectively, so as to be succesively actuated a number of actuations determined by the sensed control element; a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actuating switch means controlled by said needle cylinder element and connected with said operating magnets to successively actuate the same during rotation of said needle cylinder; a series of thread guide means at said knitting stations, respectively, each thread guide means including Ia plurality of thread guides for different threads and being movable by the respective selector magnet between a plurality of positions in accordance with the number of actuations of said selector magnets, a different thread guide being operable by said operating magnet at each knitting station in said positions to place the thread thereof in a knitting position.

6. Program controlled thread selector apparatus for a circular knitting machine having a rotary needle cylinder and `a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, programming means including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting stations, each track including a plurality of projecting control elements of different height respectively associated with different threads; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively, for sensing said different control elements, each sensing means including a set of switches and being arranged and constructed so that sensed control elements of dilerent height cause actuations of different numbers of said switches; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively, connected with said set of switches, respectively, so as to be successively repeatedly actuated in accordance with the number of switches actuated by a sensed control element; a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actuating switch means controlled by said needle cylinder element and connected with said operating magnets to successively actuate the same during rotation of said needle cylinder; a series of thread guide means at said knitting stations, respectively, each thread guide means including a plurality of thread guides for different threads and being movable by the respective selector magnet between a plurality of positions in accordance with the number of actuations of said selector magnets, a different thread guide being operable by said operating magnet at each knitting station in said positions to p'lace the thread thereof in a knitting position.

7. Program controlled selector apparatus for a knitting machine having a movable machine element and a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, program ming means including a series of tracks respectively associated with Iknitting stations, each track including a plurality of diierent control elements; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively, for Isensing said different control elements; a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actuating switch means controlled by said machine element and connected with said operating magnets to successively actuate the same; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively, connected ywith and controlled rby said sensing means, respectively, so as to be successively actuated a number of actuation-s determined by the sensed control elements, each operating magnet being adapted to operate a knitting element selected by the selector magnet at the same knitting station in accordance with the number of actuations thereof.

8. Program controlled selector apparatus for a knitting machine having a movable machine element and -a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, programming means including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting stations, each track including a Iplurality of dilerent control elements; -a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively, for sensing said different control elements; a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actu-ating switch means controlled by said machine element and connected with said operating magnet to successively actuate the same; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively, connected with and controlled by said sensing means, respectively, so as to be successively actuated a number of actuations determined by the sensed control elements, drive means rotating at a speed independently of said movable machine element; control means driven by said drive means and controlling said sensing means of said series to successively actuate said selector magnets so that said selector magnets are successively actuated; means tor synchronizing said control means and said actuating Switch means in such a relation that the -actuation of the selector magnet at each station is completed before the operating magnet at the same station is actuated, each operating magnet being adapted to operate a knitting element selected by the selector magnet at the same knitting station in accordance with the number of actuations thereof.

9. A program controlled selector apparatus for Ia circular knitting machine ihaving a rotary needle cylinder and a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, programming means including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting stations, each track including a plurality of dilferent control e-lements respectively associated with dilerent threads; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively for sensing said different control elements; a series lof operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actuating switch means controlled by said rotary needle cylinder and connected with said operating magnets to successively actuate the same; -a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively, connected with and controlled by said sensing means, respectively so as to lbe successively actuated a number actuations determined by the sensed control element, drive means rotating at a constant speed independently of said needle cylinder; control means driven by said drive means and controlling the operation of said selector magnets by said sensing means of said series -of sensing means so that said selector magnets are successively actuated; 4means for synchronizing aid control means and said actuating switch means in such a relation that the actuation of the selector magnet at each `station is completed before the operating magnet at the same station is actuated, e-ach operating magnet being adapted to yoperate a knitting element selected by the selector magnet at the same knitting station in `accordance with the number of actuations thereof.

10. A selector apparatus as set -forth in claim 9 wherein said synchronizing means include a rotary switch member rotating in synchronism with said needle cylinder and a series of contacts respectively connected with said operating magnets and successively engaged by said rotatary switch member to effect successive actuation of the operating magnets at successive stations, an actuating `projection on said needle cylinder; at least two switches uniformly spaced about the circumference of said needle cylinder and successively actuated by said actuating projection, each of said last-mentioned switches being connected to said drive means so that the same are operated when said last-mentioned switches are closed, said control means including a rotary contact arm, a pair of long slide contacts, and a pair of short contacts intermediate said long contacts said short and long contacts being arranged .along la circular path and being successively engaged by said rotary contact arm, saidy short and long contacts being connected into the circuit of said drive means i-n such a manner that one half `of the number of said selector magnets are actuated first whereupon said contact arm stops at one of said short contacts until said actuating projection has closed one of said switches actuated thereby.

11. A selector apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said control lmeans include a series of `rotary cams respectively associated with said tracks and with said knitting stations, said cams being coaxial and angularly staggered to each other, and wherein each sensing means includes an operating lever having a cam follower cooperating with one of said cams, respectively, and a sensing lever for sens-ing the respective track, a shaft supporting said operating levers and said sensing levers for turning movement, a spring connecting said sensing lever with said operating lever of the respective tra-ck, one of said levers having an abutment means limiting movement of said levers under the action of said spring, -said selector lever having a plurality of projections, and a switch operated by said projections of each sensing lever to close and open a number of times depending on the sensed control element of said programming means, said control elements being of different height, and each switch being connected to a selector magnet so that each selector magnet is energized a number of times depending on the height of said control element in the respective track of said programming means.

12. A selector apparatus as set forth in claim 11 Wherein pairs of operating levers of adjacent stations are combined in one operating lever Ih-aving two abutments for engagementby the sensing levers of the respective adjacent tracks.

13. A selector apparatus as set iforth in claim 9 wherein said control means include a series of interrupted gears respectively associated with said tracks of said programming means, a series of drive gears driven by -said drive means and a-dapted to mesh with said interrupted gears, respectively, means controlled by said programming means for turning the first interrupted gear of said series to a position meshing with the associated drive gear, a series of one revolution coupling means for coupling successive interrupted gears of said series successively to each other so that each interrupted gear performs a single revolution and so that said single Irevolutions of said interrupted gears are staggered; and wherein said sensing means include a series of sensing wheels respectively mounted on said interrupted gears, and friction coupling means connecting said `sensing wheels with said interrupted gears, said sensing wheels having a plurality of uniformly spaced stepped projections at one part of the periphery thereof, 'and a plurality of correspondingly spaced actuating projections on another portion of the periphery thereof, said control elements of each track of said program-ming means being of different height so as to be ad-apted to block turning movement of the correlated sensing wheel by engaging Ia correspondingly stepped projection thereof whereby each sensing wheel turns Ian angle depending on the height of the sensed control element, and a series of switch means, each switch means cooperating with said .actu-ating projections of a corresponding sensing wheel to be repeatedly actuated a number of times depending on the height of a control element of said programming means, said switches being connected to sai-d selector magnets for repeatedly actuating the same.-

1'4. Program controlled selector apparatus for a circular knitting machine having a rotary needle cylinder and a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, program-ming meansl including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting stations, eac'h track including a plurality of diierent control elements; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks,

respectively for sensing said diierent control elements, each sensing means including a set of switches and being arranged and constructed so that sensed different control elements cause actuation of different numbers of said switches; a series of ope-rating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actuating switch means controlled by said rotary needle cylinder and connected with said operating magnets to successively act-uate the same; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively, connected with said sets of switches, respectively so as to be successively repeatedly actuated in accordance with the number of switches actuated by a sensed control element; drive means rotating at `a constant speed independently of said rotary needle cylinder; control means driven by said drive means and successively connecting said sets of switches with said selector magnets so that said selector magnets are successively actuated; means for synchronizing said control means and said actuating switch means in such a relation that the actuation -of the selector magnet at each station is complete-d before the operating magnet at the same station is actuated, each operating magnet `being adapted to operate a knitting element selected by the selector magnet at the same knitting station in accordance with the number of actnations thereof.

115. A program controlled .selector apparatus for a circular knitting machine having a rotary needle cylinder and a series of knitting stations, comprising, in combination, program chain means including a series of tracks respectively associated with said knitting sttaions, each track including a plurality of control elements of different height; a series of sensing means cooperating with said tracks, respectively, for sensing said different control elements, each sensing means including a set of adjacent switch ycontacts respectively engaged by said control elements of said tracks of said program chain, the number of switch contacts displaced and closed yby said control elements depending on ythe height of the respective control elements; a series of operating magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; actuating switch means rotated in synchronism with said needle cylinder and connected with said operating magnets `to successively actuate the same; a series of selector magnets at said knitting stations, respectively; drive means rotating at a constant speed independently of said rotary needle cylinder; control means driven by said drive means and including a rotary contact ar-m, and a series of sets of slide conta-cts, each set of slide -contacts being associated with one of sai-d sensing means and connected to said switch contacts of the associated sensing means, respectively, said slide contacts being successively engaged by said rotary contact arm, said rotary contact arm and said slide contacts respectively connecting said switch contacts with said selector magnets so that the same are successively actuated a number of actuatons `determined by the height of the sensed control elements; means for synchronizing said rotary contact arm and said actuating switch means in such a relation that the actuation of the -seelctor magnet at each station is completed before the operating magnet at the same station is actuated, each operating magnet being adapted to operate a knitting element selected by the selector magnet at the same knitting station in accordance with the number of actuations thereof.

16. A selector apparatus -as set forth in claim l5 and including a pair of switches spaced fr-om each other around the periphery of said needle cylinder; an actuating projection on said needle cylinder so that each of said last-mentioned switches is actuated during each revolution of said needle cylinder, said last-mentioned switches being connected with said drive means and controlling the rotation of the same so that upon actuation of each of said last-mentioned switches, said rotary contact arm moves over one half of said slide contacts and then stops until said `actuating projection engages the other of Said last-mentioned switches.

117. A selector yap-paratus as set forth in claim 16 and including a series of contacts respectively connected in series with said operating magnets and with said actuating switch means, and respectively operated by said selector magnets when the same are actuated so that said actuating switch means can cause actuation of any operating magnet only after the correlated selector magnet has been actuated.

18. A .selector apparatus as set forth in claim 7 and including a series of contacts connected in series with said operating magnets and with said actuating switch means, and being respectively operated by the actuated selector magnets so that each operating magnet can be energized by said actuating switch means only after the correlated selector magnet has been actuated.

19. A selector apparatus as set forth in claim 18 and including control means operated by said movable machine element to prevent sensing of t-he second half of said tracks until -said machine element has assumed a predetermined position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,970,461 2/1961 Hoffmann 66-154 FOREIGN PATENTS 937,997 9/1963t Great Britain.

M-ERVIN STEIN, Primary Examiner.

DONALD W. PARK-ER, Exwmn'er.

P. C. FAW, Assistant Examiner. 

1. THREAD SELECTOR APPARATUS FOR A KNITTING MACHINE HAVING A SERIES OF KNITTING STATIONS, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A SERIES OF SELECTOR MAGNETS AT SAID KNITTING STATIONS, RESPECTIVELY; A SERIES OF OPERATING MAGNETS AT SAID KNITTING STATIONS, RESPECTIVELY; AND A SERIES OF THREAD GUIDE MEANS AT SAID KNITTING STATIONS, RESPECTIVELY, EACH THREAD GUIDE MEANS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF THREAD GUIDES FOR DIFFERENT THREADS, AND BEING MOVABLE BY THE RESPECTIVE SELECTOR MAGNET BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF POSITIONS IN WHICH DIFFERENT THREAD GUIDES ARE OPERABLE BY THE RESPEC- 